DOCUMENTS 



fikf.i 



1862. 



CONTENTS. 



Preface, 2 

Offickks Axn Members, . . • • • ... 3 

Letters from President Lincoln, the Secretaiues of War 

AND OF the Navy, and of Gen, McClellan, . .4 

Address, ......•••• " 

Address to the Young Men's Christian Associations, . .12 
OiRCFLAR to Business Men, . . . . • • ^^' 

Instructions to Donors, ...... 

Commission to Delegates, ...••• 
Instructions to Delegates, . . . • • • -^ 

Appendix — Original Address, . . . • • . "-< 
Plan of Operations, .....•• "* 



I 



,8| 
20.i 



CHRISTIAN COMMISSION 



The Army and Navy 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



I 



PHILADELPHIA: 

RINGWALT & BROWN, BOOK AND JOB PRINTERS, 
111 SOUTH FOURTH STREET. 

nr 1862. 



'. o 






PREFACE 



Our Army and Navy have been vastly enlarged, and the work of 
the Christian Commission is rapidly growing. 

Some changes have been recently made, and several addresses and 
circulars issued to meet the great and growing demands upon the 
Commission. 

To preserve these papers, and to give a more comprehensive 
embodiment to the information desired by the friends of our Soldiers 
and Sailors, our Country and our Saviour, we have thrown them 
together in this form. 

Appended, we give also the original address of the Commission. 
Philadelphia, October, 1SG2. 



Plans Adopted and Papers Issued, as the Result of 
its Meeting in New York, August, 1862. 



GEO. H. STUART, Esq., Chairman, 13 Bank St. 
JOS. PATTERSON, Esq., Treasurer, Western Banh. 
Rev. W. E. BOARDMAN, Secretary, 13 Bank St. 



Rev. ROLLIN H. NEALE, D. D., Boston. 

CHARLES DEMOND, Esq., Boston. 

Rev. Bishop E. S. JANES, D. D., Neiv York. 

Rev. JAMES EELLS, D. D., Brooklyn. 

MITCHELL H. MILLER, Esq., Washington. 

GEO. H. STUART, Esq., Philadelphia. 

JOHN P. CROZE R, Esq., Philadelphia. 

JAY COOKE, Esq., Philadelphia. 

Rev. M. L. R. P. THOMPSON, D. D., Cincinnati. 

Col. CLINTON B. FISK, St. Louis. 

JOHN V. FARWELL, Esq., Chicago. 

JOHN D. HILL, M. D., Buffalo. 



GEO. H. STUART, Chairman, Philadelphia. 
Rev. Bishop E. S. JANES, D. D., New York. 
CHARLES DEMOND, Boston. 
JOHN P. CROZER, Philadelphia. 
.TAY COOKE, Philadelphia. 

(3) 



The accompanying letters are gratifying evidences that 
the Government cordially approves our plan, and will aid us 
so far as it lawfully may : 



l^tt^r from ^xtnAtnt %Uxtoh\. 

} 



Executive Mansion, 
Washington, December 12, 1861. 



Ml/ Dear Sir — Your letter of the 11th inst. and accompanying plan, 
both of which are returned as a convenient mode of connecting this 
with them, have .just been received. Your Christian and benevolent 
undertaking for the benefit of the soldiers is too obviously proper and 
praiseworthy to admit any difference of opinion. I sincerely hope 
your plan may be as successful in execution as it is just and generous 
in conception. 

Yoiir obedient servant, 

Geo. H. Stuart, Esq., A. LINCOLN. 

Chairman ^^Christian Commission,''^ 
Philadelphia, Pa. 



l^tt^r from Wt ^uxtivixi of Mm. 

War Department, December 13, 1861. 

Sir — This Department approves the object of the "Christian 
Commission," as set forth in the circular announcing their appoint- 
ment by a convention of the delegates of the Young Men's Christian 
Associations, held in the City of New York, Nov. 14th and 15th, 18G1. 

This Department is deeply interested in the "spiritual good of the 
soldiers in our array," as well as in their "intellectual improvement, 
and social and physical comfort," and will cheerfully give its aid to 
the benevolent and patriotic of the land, who desire to improve the 
condition of our troops. 

It confidently looks for beneficial results from so noble an enter- 
prise, and begs you to express to the Commission its sincere wish for 
the success of this great work in behalf of the soldier. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War. 
Geo. H. Stuart, Esq., 

Chairman ^'^ Christian Commission,^'' 
Philadelphia, Pa. 



Idtqr from iht ^^rr^targ of ilxt[ i^atig. 

Navy Department, December 16, 1861. 

Sh- — T have received your letter of the 11th inst., asking an expres- 
sion of the Department as to the objects of the "Christian Commis- 
sion," to promote the welfare of the soldiers, sailors, marines, &c. 

The Department will be gratified with any legitimate means to pro- 
mote the welfare (present and future) of all who are in the service. 

/ am, very respectfully. 

Your obedient servant, 

Mr. Geo. H. Stuart, GIDEON WELLES. 

Chairman ^'■Christian Commissiofi,^^ 
Philadelphia. 



letter Jrom (Sen. flKKIcnatt, 

Head Quarters, Army of the Potomac,) 
Washington, June 8, 1861. ) 

Geo. H. Stuart, Esq., Philadelphia. 

Dear Sir — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your 
letter, informing me of the appointment by the Convention of the 
Young Men's Christian Association, of a Commission to take active 
measures to promote the spiritual and temporal welfare of our soldiers 
and sailors. 

The objects of the Commission are such as meet my cordial appro- 
val, and will, if carried out in the proper spirit, prove of great value. 

Very respectfully. 

Your obedient servant, 

GEO. B. McCLELLAN. 



ADDRESS 



THE CHRISTIAN COMMISSION 



The Christian Commission was called into existence 
by the voice of God, for the war. 

The new aspects of our great national struggle, with 
the vast enlargement of forces employed, demand of us 
enlargement of plans and a more perfect system for 
effecting the great purposes of our organization. We 
accept the increased and increasing responsibilities, as 
we accepted the work at the first — as from God; and 
would meet them as God may give us wisdom and 
means, with all our hearts. Duty to our soldiers and 
sailors, to our country and our God, demands of us a 
few earnest words to the public. 

The President, the Secretaries of War and of the 
Navy, and the General in command of our armies, gave 
us their letters of hearty commendation at the first; 
the Surgeon General and the Medical Directors of both 
the Army of the Potomac and the Army of Virginia 
have given us every facility and encouragement; the 
Government is now aiding us peculiarly in reaching the 
camps of the army with stores and publications for dis- 
tribution; whilst both our delegates, and the stores and 
publications they distribute, are ever^Mvhere received, 
amongst the wounded on the battlefields and in hospitals, 

(6) 



and by our soldiers in the army, with every demonstra- 
tion of gladness and gratitude ; and in the camps, offi- 
cers cheerfully call out their men regiment by regiment 
to hear addresses from our delegates. 

A vast army is all open to us. Thousands in the 
hospitals appeal to us for publications, for libraries and 
for delegates to aid such chaplains as have more than 
they can attend to under their charge, and for dele- 
gates to supply the place of chaplains where none have 
been appointed by the Government. 

More than a million of men, called into the service 
of the country, on land and on sea, await Christian 
influences and benefactions at our hands. And every 
battle field affords for us, and demands of us, especial 
help to care for the wounded and to counsel the 
dying. 

Railroad, express and telegraph companies afford us 
special facilities of transportation and transmission for 
our men and stores and messages to every point; and 
our delegates are all volunteers, giving their services 
freely for the love they bear to the soldiers and sailors, 
the country and God. And our Young Men's Christian 
Associations afford us, without charge, every facility in 
their several localities away from the seat of war for 
receiving and forwarding stores, or when near, for aid- 
ing in their distribution. 

Thus one of the grandest special works ever opened 
to Christian patriots, presents itself to us, whilst an 
agency to do this great work has been specially pro- 
vided, which is far-reaching and full of life and energy, 
and the most economical ever known since the days of 
the Apostles. Volunteer delegates have all along offered 
their services in greater numbers than we could commis- 
sion, and the public have generously responded to every 
appeal for money and stores. We, therefore, make 
this address, as well to thank the friends of our cause 
for their great generosity, as to spread before them our 
enlarged plans and systematic arrangements for carry- 



8 

ing forward the grand work before us ; and we do this 
in the full confidence that neither men, money, publica- 
tions, nor stores, will be withheld, but freely and abund- 
antly oifered in the enlarged measure required. 

We, as a Christian Commission, are an alliance of 
men of many churches, chosen by a Convention of the 
Young Men's Christian Associations of many cities 
and States. All denominational diiferences are sunk 
out of mind in the one predominant desire to give true 
religion, together with every temporal benefit in our 
power, to the brave men of our army and navy. And 
God has moved the hearts of His children so deeply, 
that already the number of boxes and barrels of publi- 
cations and stores received has reached eight hundred 
and twenty-six, and the number of delegates commis- 
sioned over one hundred. Prominent pastors of churches, 
together with Christian merchants, and other men of 
position and influence, have gone as delegates from 
Philadelphia, and from as far East as Maine — gone 
without pay, to perform for our sufieririg heroes such 
offices as: washing off the filth of helpless days and 
nights on the battle field, dressing wounds bloody and 
offensive, and a thousand nameless things that money 
could not have hired them to do. This, together with 
the work of ministering to the sick, the wounded, the 
dying in the hospitals, distributing stores and publica- 
tions, and holding meetings for prayer both in hospitals 
and camps, visiting and addressing soldiers in the field 
regiment by regiment, transmitting messages, letters 
and packages from their homes to the soldiers and from 
the soldiers to their homes, and whatever else the case 
might demand, or Christian sympathy might devise. 
They have often shared with the soldiers sometimes 
the hard couch and the hard bread, and sometimes 
sleepless nights and days without bread or couch, and all 
not only without pay, but with the greatest cheerfulness ; 
and after having gone once as delegates, they all desire 



to go again, and some have gone time after time and 
spent many weeks in the work. 

The fruits of this work cannot be measured. The 
sick and wounded have been cared for, and in many 
instances saved from death; the dying have been pointed 
with prayer to Jesus ; the living in the army have been 
cheered to duty; the swelling tide of vice and intemp- 
erance has been in many instances checked ; and great 
numbers have been hopefully converted to God, both in 
the regiments and in the hospitals. One chaplain fur- 
nished by us with books and papers, and aided by one 
of our delegates in establishing prayer meetings in his 
regiment, writes that although he has been many years 
the pastor of a large and prosperous congregation, God 
has given him the inexpressible delight of seeing 7nore 
conversions in his regiment in two months of his chap- 
laincy/ than in his congregation during a7iy two whole 
years of Ids pastorate. 

Another, the chaplain of one of the largest of our 
hospitals, says that he has been cheered by many cases 
of hopeful conversion, and never has known any field 
so white for the harvest. 

Our delegates inform us of many conversions under 
their own immediate instructions, and of remarkable 
effects of the truth spoken to our heroes in the field. 

After an address upon profanity to one regiment, one 
captain in dismissing his company said : " Men, mark ! 
never another oath is to be uttered in this company." 
Another said as much, with the emphasis of assurance 
that the first man uttering an oath should receive sum- 
mary punishment. Intelligence comes of a revival in 
full progress in another regiment ; and in another, of 
prayer meetings on Sabbath in every street of their 
camp. And facts of similar import reach us day by 
day. 

Our delegates have gone to the fields and field hospi- 
tals of the battles of Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Seven- 



10 

Pines, the Chick ahominy, Malvern Hill, Cedar Moun- 
tain, Centreville, Bull Run No. 2, and Fairfax, in Vir- 
ginia, and South Mountain, Antietam and others in 
Maryland. Whilst in the west, the bloody field of 
Shiloh, not to mention others, was visited by a large 
delegation with ample stores from Chicago, not included 
in the enumeration given. 

Other delegates have been stationed in hospitals 
destitute of chaplains, and others in hospitals requir- 
ing Assistant Chaplains to work on from week to week. 
And yet others are in the field work, distributing 
reading matter and stores to soldiers, establishing 
prayer meetings, and addressing regiments. 

Our plans are made ; our work systematized ; rail 
road, express and telegraphic facilities secured from 
distant points to the field ; and ambulance facilities in the 
field ; we have efiicient local agencies in Baltimore, 
Washington, Annapolis, St. Louis, Louisville, Chicago, 
Memphis and at Fortress Monroe ; the whole army 
is open to us ; we can extend operations to reach 
and benefit every regiment ; God is blessing us and 
bidding us go forward ; Christian gentlemen of standing, 
talent and piety off'er in abundance to volunteer as 
delegates ; and now all we want, under Divine favor, is 
money to purchase with and pay the needful expenses, 
together with publications and stores for distribution 
upon the enlarged scale of our great army. Two 
thousand dollars expended in publications would not 
more than fill the requests of to-day. Our brave sol- 
diers are hungry for religious papers especially. The 
work and the demand daily increases. Everything 
given goes where intended, through our own delegates. 
Now is our opportunity. Golden moments are passing. 
Let us have money and stores. Send forward what 
you have in hand. Do not retain money as capital. 
Send it and collect more if you need capital. Give all 
and trust God for future supply. And let us together 
honor God, bless our army and navy, and confer untold 



11 

benefit on the country and the world, by an earnest, 
generous, vigorous prosecution of this great work 
throughout our entire force, on the land and on the 
sea. 

KOLLIN H. NEALE, Boston. 
CHARLES DEMOND, Boston. 
E. S. JANES, NeiD York. 
JAMES EELLS, BrooMyn. 
MITCHELL H. MILLER, ^Yashmgton. 
CLINTON B. FISK, St. Louis. 
GEO. H. STUART, Philadelpliia. 
JOHN P. CROZER, PhUadelphia. 
JAY COOKE, PMladelpUa. 
M. L. R. P. THOMPSON, Clncmnati. 
JOHN V. FARWELL, Chicago. 
JOHN D. HILL, Buffalo. 

All moneys sliould he sent to Joseph Patterson, 
Esq., Treasurer.) President Western Bank ^ Philadelphia. 
All stores to Geo. II. Stuart, Esq., Chairman, 13 Bank 
Street, Philadelphia. All letters to Rev. W. E. Board- 
man, Secretary, 13 Bank Street^ Philadelphia. 



ADDRESS 

TO THE 

1 CJHiHg Wtu'$ §kxHUm %s$$dutUu. 



Philadelphia, Sept. 11th, 1862. 
Dear Beethben : 

At a National Convention of Delegates of the Young 
Men's Christian Associations, held in the city of New 
York, November 16, 1861, the Christian Commission 
for the Army was instituted, to promote the spiritual 
and temporal welfare of the brave men now in arms to 
put down a wicked rebellion. The Committee met in 
Washington and arranged a plan of operations. They 
propose to aid chaplains in their work, and to supply 
the lack of service where there are none — 

By eliciting the sympathies and prayers of Christians 
on behalf of our soldiers and sailors ; 

By furnishing them with Testaments, Hymn and 
Psalm Books, Tracts, Newspapers, and Regimental, 
Post, and Hospital Libraries ; 

By aiding the formation of Christian associations in 
the various regiments and vessels, and putting them in 
communication with the Christian public ; 

By obtaining and directing such gratuitous personal 
labor as may be practicable among our soldiers and 
sailors — employing earnest Christians and ministers to 
preach to them, converse with them, distribute tracts 
and other publications, and hold prayer meetings among 
them, and by visiting and relieving the wounded on the 
battle field, and the sick in hospitals; 

By establishing a medium of speedy and safe com- 
munication between the men in the army and navy and 

(12) 



13 

their friends at home, by which clothing, books, medi- 
cines, and hospital stores can be promptly forwarded 
and faithfully dispensed, as the exigencies of camp or 
battle may require. 

Besides the mere local work, however, the principal 
sphere of the Commission's labors has been the army 
in the field. To the camps and field hospitals, imme- 
diately after the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Island 
No. 10, Belmont, Fair Oaks, the Seven Days' battles 
before Richmond, and the recent battles of Bull Bun 
No. 2, Centreville, Fairfax, and those in Maryland, 
they despatched over one hundred volunteer agents, lay 
and clerical, laden with all kinds of hospital stores, to 
nurse, feed and comfort our sick and wounded soldiers. 
Over one hundred of these agents have gone forth, and 
others are anxious to be sent. Six hundred and forty- 
six boxes of hospital stores and reading matter collected 
in Philadelphia, and partly by the Boston and Brooklyn 
Associations, have been distributed by our agents, 
besides large contributions collected and distributed 
direct by the Army Committees of the St. Louis, Chicago 
and other Associations. Letters from soldiers, ofiicers, 
chaplains, the Surgeon General, the Major General 
and the President attest the value of the aid thus 
rendered, at these important crises. Several of these 
gentlemen are still in the field, and accompanying the 
army in its movements, to whom chaplains and sol- 
diers are continually applying for books, cordials, and 
those little delicacies which to a sick man are more 
valuable than medicine, but which are not found in the 
Government stores. The supply, however, at our dis- 
posal by no means meets the present wants of our army, 
and will be still more inadequate to its prospective 
increase. 

From these statements it appears — 

I. That the relation of the Christian Commission to 
the Young Men's Christian Associations is in no sense 
one of rivalry, but of cordial help and furtherance. 



14 

From them it derived its existence — through their local 
Associations it does all its local work — being beyond 
the local work, it employs their members as its agents 
in fields which no local Association can reach, and fur- 
nishes them with the means of bodily and spiritual relief 
for the army. Receiving and publishing their letters, 
it brings the Young Men's Christian Associations fully 
before the Christian public in the most interesting 
aspect as a ministry to their brothers and sons in the 
field of war, and thus enlists sympathy and help for the 
Associations. The Commission aims to combine, and 
wisely direct, the efforts of the local Associations. The 
Christian Commission is the Central Army Committee 
of the Confederation of the Young Men's Christian 
Associations. 

II. That our work of Christian charity is not at- 
tempted by any other organization. The Sanitary 
Commission, and its affiliated aid societies, give their 
attention to the bodily wants of our soldiers ; the vari- 
ous publishing societies aim to furnish food for the 
mind; the Christian Commission is the only organization 
which proposes to combine Christian consolation with 
bodily relief, and to commend the Saviour to the suf- 
fering soldier by those deeds of charity which He so 
emphatically commands His people to perform, and 
which have such a powerful influence in opening the 
heart to His teachings. 

III. That to carry out the work before them, the 
relief and edification of an army which will soon num- 
ber 1,200,000, we need the cooperation of all the Young 
Men's Christian Associations, and the contributions of 
all the churches and phiUmthropists in the land. We 
are doing a great national work ; a work far too vast 
for any single city or society to attempt. As well 
might New Jersey, or New York, single-handed, attempt 
the restoration of the Union, as any local or sectarian 
society attempt the supply of its armies. This war is 
a demonstration of the evils of sectarianism and sec- 



15 

tionalism in politics ; and these evils are still more fatal 
to the best interests of religion. " United we stand," 
should be the motto of all Christians at this crisis. 
The Christian Commission furnishes a central, catholic, 
active organization, actually in the field and doing this 
work. 

The war grows. Our soldiers are falling daily. 
There is no time now to waste on the discussion of plans. 
What is done for the soldier must be done quickly. 
Young Men of the Christian Associations, fall in ! and 
march to the help of the Lord against the mighty. 

In carrying out your operations, permit us to suggest, 
that if you have not already done so, you should imme- 
diately form an Army Committee, to visit the hospitals, 
camps, or regiments in your vicinity, and to hold prayer 
meetings with the soldiers, and supply them with books 
and tracts. This Army Committee should arrange for 
meeting, if possible, every Sabbath evening, in the 
various churches, to pray for our country, for the con- 
version of our soldiers, and for the sick, the wounded 
and the bereaved. No church would decline the privi- 
lege of such a meeting. A deeper interest is aroused 
by the addresses made and the facts presented by sol- 
diers, chaplains and others at such meetings, and the 
collections are cheerfully given by the friends and 
relatives of our soldiers, for supplying them with the 
means of grace. In those Associations where there is 
little demand for local work, the collections will be re- 
mitted to the Treasurer of the Christian Commission, 
to aid those nearer to the seat of war. The Boston 
Association, besides a large amount of religous reading 
matter and hospital stores, has thus remitted over 
$3000, and other Associations, Southern and Western, 
have been aided. If each of the two hundred Young 
Men's Christian Associations will thus organize, work, 
hold meetings, take up collections, and report their 
work, observations and incidents to the Christian Com- 



16 

mission, and will begin to do so immediately^ we shall 
be enabled to extend our work to all the armies of the 
Republic, and with God's blessing, ere long, to report 
a Great Revival in the American Army. 



ROLLIN H. NEALE, Boston. 
CHAS. DEMOND, Boston. 
E. S. JANES, Ncio York. 
JAMES EELLS, Brooklyn. 
MITCHELL H. MILLER, Woshinffion. 
GEO. H. STUART, Philadelphia. 
JOHN P. CROZKR, Philadelphia. 
JAY COOKE, Philadelphia. 
M. L. R. P. THOMPSON, Cincinnati. 
Col. CLINTON B. FISK, St. Louis. 
JOHN V. FAR WELL, Chicay/o. 
JOHN D. HILL, But 



P. S. — We earnestly beseech Christian young men, in those places 
•where Young Men's Christian Associations do not exist, to meet 
together immediately and form Army Committees, and report them- 
selves ready for work to the Commission. 

All communications and all stores should be addressed to GEO. 
H. STUART, Chairman, No. 13 Bank Street, Philadelphia; and all 
moneys sent to JOSEPH PATTERSON, Esq., Treasurer, Western 
Bank, Philadelphia. 



^iiatlav U §\mm^^ §lm. 



Organized by a Convention of the Young- Men's Christian Associa- 
tions, aims to benefit the aimy and navy, spiritually and tempo- 
rally — sends delegates, stores and publications to Camps, Hospitals 
and Battle grounds. 

Its delegates go as volunteers without compensation. 

Its stores are sent by Aid Societies, Churches, and friends gener- 
ally, or purchased by the Commission. 

Its Delegates themselves distribute the articles sent to those 
for whom designed. 

The Government approves and commends, and affords all facilities 
to the Commission. Ambulances are detailed for its use by the Gov- 
ernment to enable the Commission to reach all parts of the army. 

Christian gentlemen, ministers, lawyers, merchants and others of 
standing and influence, have gone without charge to the number of 
more than a hundred, as delegates in various capacities, as chaplains 
to unsupplied hospitals, assistants to chaplains of hospitals so large 
as to require more than the services of one chaplain, as assistants 
to surgeons on the battle field, and as visitors and preachers to 
soldiers in camp. 

Over seven hundred boxes and barrels of publications and stores 
have been sent to hospitals, camps, and battle fields, and distributed 
by delegates of the Commission. 

Tens of thousands of our wounded and sick soldiers have been 
visited, instructed and supplied in the hospitals by the Commission, 
and scores of thousands in the field ; and thousands of our brave 
men, wounded in battle, have been refreshed, cared for and kindly 
removed by its delegates, in aid of the surgeons to hospitals. The 
eyes of the dying have been closed in prayer, and the dead buried 
with Christian rites, whilst the living have been cheered to duty to 
God and our country. 

By these means many have been hopefully converted to God, many 
restrained from vice, and many saved from death. 

The work every day enlarges — its demands are great — can t/ou 
help ? Although there never was an agency so economical for its 
efficiency, yet for purchases and expenses large sums are required. 
The necessities are instant and urgent. Do all you can, 
and do it now. Send your money contributions to JOS. PAT- 
TERSON, Esq., Treasurer, Western Bank, and all stores to GEO. H. 
STUART, Esq., Chairman, 13 Bank Street. 
B (17) 



§n^ix\[(tUn^ to §fi\\$x^ 



The Christian Commission was organized by the Young Men's 
Christian Associations, for the purpose of promoting the spiritual 
and temporal welfare of the army and navy of our Country. It 
sends its delegates as volunteers to battle-fields, to aid in the care 
of the wounded on the ground, and in removing them to hospitals; 
also, to hospitals to aid chaplains where needed, and to act as 
chaplains in such hospitals and places as have not been supplied by 
the Government, and to camps of our soldiers in the service. 

The stores sent to the Christian Commission, if specially designed 
for any particular person, or regiment, or hospital, are faithfully 
sent, v>ithout charge, to those for whom they are intended. If sent 
for distribution where most needed, they are distributed by our own 
agents or delegates in person. 

The demand upon us is daily increasing, and stores of all sorts 
are urgently needed, especially such as are designated herein. 
But of all donations, MONEY IS THE BEST; we can purchase 
with it the i-ight things at the right times, and can purchase dX greatly 
reduced prices. 

The vast numbers now in the service, and entering it, and the 
thousands of sick and wounded in the hospitals call loudly upon the 
people for help, whilst the eagerness of their friends to send help is 
as great as theirs to receive it. Already more than seven hundred 
boxes and barrels of books and stores have been sent to our men, 
and over one hundred gentlemen of the highest respectability have 
gone as volunteers to distribute them, and to give sympathy, 
instructions and prayers therewith. 

The Commission will endeavor to distribute everything committed 
to them by everybody, in any and every. part of the field, in accord- 
ance with the purpose of its organization, accompanying each dis- 
tribution with the consolations of the gospel. 

The following instructions will aid friends of our soldiers and 
sailors in deciding what to send, and how to pack, and how to direct 
what they send : 

I. AS TO WHAT TO SEND.— MONEY IS BEST OF ALL. It 

is injudicious to spend money or labor for trifling articles. Clothing 
is greatly needed, such as cotton shirts, woolen shirts, woolen socks, 
canton flannel drawers, woolen drawers, surgical shirts of the same 
pattern, but tied Avith tapes down the sides and sleeves, instead of 
being sewed; cotton drawers large enough to serve as pants in- 
doors, dressing gowns, slippers, sheets and pillow cases, bandages 
of muslin, four to six yards long, and three or four inches wide, rolled 

(18) 



19 

up, each by itself but not fastened; lint, picked, (not scraped.) wash- 
rags, handkerchiefs, and small hair and feather pads for fractured 
limbs. Of Stores — oatmeal, farina, corn-starch, dried rusks, soda 
biscuits, jellies, fresh fruits, dried fruits, lemons, white sugar, 
brandy, wine, bottled ale and porter, beef-tea in cakes, canned 
meats for soup, good black tea, cranberries, pickles in kegs, good 
fresh butter in small stone jars, barrels of onions and apples, and 
tin cups ; all these are always wanted. To aid the Soldiers in 
Correspondence, paper, envelopes and pencils. Of Reading 
Matter for convalescents, a library is a valuable hygienic appliance, 
and for the able-bodied, good publications are mental and spiritual 
food. For convalescents, lively interesting books, the monthlies, the 
pictorials, the works of science and literature, as well as those for 
moral and spiritual culture — such as you would put into the hands 
of a brother after severe illness are such as are wanted ; and for the 
well, also, good interesting books, tracts, and papers. Those 
designed specially for the soldier and sailor are the best, but send 
no trash. Our noble men love and deserve those that are fresh and 
the best. To suspend in the hospital. The Silent Comforter, Green 
Pastures, and Choice Hymns, are excellent. 

II. AS TO PACKING.— Never pack perishable articles like eggs, 
sausages, bread or cakes, nor jars of jellies and jams with other 
goods. Never send perishable articles unless specially called for, 
to supply some place to which the}^ can be immediately sent. Pack 
eatables by themselves, in separate boxes. Tin cans should be 
always soldered, all other modes are worthless for the army. Stone 
jars of jellies should be corked and firmly bound with oiled linen, or 
leather over the cork, and packed in saw dust or hay, in boxes very 
tight, never exceeding a dozen and a half bottles in a box, and nailed 
strongly, to bear tipping. Boxes should not be so large that two 
cannot conveniently lift them into a wagon. 

III. AS TO DIRECnONS.-Mark : "GEORGE H. STUART, 

Fresident Christian Commission, 

13 Bank Street, Philadelphia," 
Mark, also: 

Erom [giving place and donors or Society's name.'] 

No, 1, 2, 8, &c,, [numbering on from the first sent to the last."] 

Mark legibly with ink or paint on the boards, (cards rub off,) 
Send, by mail, an invoice, on paper about this size and written only 
on one side, specifying the articles, and the marks and numbers of 
each package, and giving the Post Ofl&ce address in full to wdiich 
acknowledgments are to be sent. Write plain, give the signature 
in plain hand, so that it can be read without mistake. If the writer 
is a man, mention wdiether or not he is a minister, and if a lady, 
state whether 3Iiss or 3Irs. 

Send all Moneys to JOSEPH PATTERSON, Esq., 
Treasurer, Western Bank. 



§tUQ^W^ (^0mm\^mn. 



ga Mim &lmMluu &$mmlBim, 

No. 13 BANK STREET, 

Philadelphia, _ _..186 

To the Officers of tlie Array and Navy of the United States, and others: 

The Christian Commission, organized by a Convention of the 
Young iMen's Christian Associations of the loyal States, to promote 
the spiritual and temporal welfare and improvement of the men of 
the army and navy, acting under the approbation and commenda- 
tion of the President, the Secretaries of the Army and the Navy and 

of the Generals in command, have appointed 

A Delegate, to act in accordance with instructions furnished here- 
with, under direction of the proper officers, in furtherance of the 
objects of the Christian Commission. 

His services will be rendered in behalf of the Christian Commis- 
sion, without remuneration from, or expense to, the Government. 

His work will be that of distributing stores where needed, in hos- 
pitals and camps ; circulating good reading matter amongst soldiers 
and sailors; visiting the sick and wounded, to instruct, comfort and 
cheer them, and aid them in correspondence with their friends at 
home ; aiding surgeons on the battle-field and elsewhere in the care 
and conveyance of the wounded to hospitals; helping chaplains in 
their ministrations and influence for the good of the men under their 
care ; and addressing soldiers and sailors, individually and collect- 
ively, in explanation of the work of the Christian Commission and 
its delegates, and for their personal instruction and benefit, tempo 
ral and eternal. 

All i^ossible facilities, and all due courtesies, are asked for him, in 
the proper pursuance of any or all of these duties. 



Chairman Christian Commission. 

(20) 



f«^t»u^ti0Mss t0 §dt^^it^. 



The various duties of Delegates from the Christian Com- 
mission to The Field, The Hospital and The Battle Ground, 
may be summarily stated as follows : 

Visiting ho><pitals, campa and battlefields, for the instruction, 
supply, encouragement and relief of the men oj our Army, 
according to their various circumstances ; 

Distributing stores, where needed, in hospitals and. camps ; 

Circulating good publications amongst our soldiers and 
sailors ; 

Aiding chaplains in their ministrations and infiuence for 
the spiritual and temporal welfare of the men under their core ; 

Securing the establishment of Havelock Societies in the 
army, according to the printed Constitution supplied by the 
Christian Commission ; 

Encouraging special and stated meetings for prayer amongst 
the men in the field and in the hospital; 

Encouraging soldiers and sailors to communicate freely and 
frequently with their friends, aiding them to do it, and, if need 
be, writing for them; 

Addressing the men personally and collectively, to encourage 
them in every right way, discourage every vice, give them 
information from the people and. from home, explain the work 
of the Christian Commission in their behalf, cheer them to 
duty, and above all persuade them to become reconciled to God 
through the blood of His Son, if they have not already done 
so, and if they have, then to be strong in the Lord, resolute for 
duty, earnest and constant in prayer and fervent in spirit, 
serving the Lord ; 

And aiding surgeons on the battle field, in the kind care 
and removal of the wounded, giving them food and drink, 

(21) 



22 

and everything needed to mitigate suffering and aid recover?/, 
or if dying, point them with prayer to Jesus, and give them 
Christian burial. 

Glancing at these several duties, it will be seen that they 
imply not only three separate fields, but 



Each having duties distinct, and each requiring specific 
instructions. i 

I. 
DELEGATES TO THE FIELD. 

The work of the Christian Commission comprises the supply 
of field hospitals with such clothing, bedding and stores as 
their necessities require ; the distribution of stores and publi- 
cations to all in the camps, ofiicers and men; personal indi- 
vidual intercourse with them, to instruct, cheer and win them 
to Christ, or to stir them up to greater faith and zeal and 
activity for Christ; aiding and encouraging constant corres- 
pondence with their friends, by giving them paper and enve- 
lopes, or if need be, v/riting for them and mailing their letters, 
and forwarding for them packages to their homes ; securing 
the organization of Havelock Societies, where practicable ; 
encouraging meetings for prayer; aiding chaplains in their 
public services, and seeking opportunity to address regiments 
publicly and collectively; addressing them, as delegates of the 
Christian Commission and as ambassadors for Jesus; and 
doing whatever else good common sense and warm Christian 
sympathy and true patriotism may dictate for the temporal and 
spiritual benefit of the men in the field. 

To facilitate this work of the Field, the Christian Commis- 
sion will, for the regular service, furnish its delegates, if 
needed, not only with stores, clothing and publication for 
gratuitous distribution, but wagons and horses for their trans- 
portation from the various depots of these things, to the camps 
where they are to be distributed. 

But in case of exigencies demanding it. Brigadiers or Major 
Generals may be requested to detail ambulances for temporary 



23 

use, which they will readily do, as the brave lamented Gen. 
Kearney and others have cheerfully done. 

For the accomplishment of this Field work, it is always 
desirable to see first the commanding officer of the regiment, 
brigade, division, or corps, in which it is to be done, and 
explain it to him. And also see and explain to such other 
officers as may be convenient and expedient, especially colonels 
of regiments, chaplains and surgeons. 

Officers should always be politely remembered in the dis- 
tribution to them of such things as they may specially need. 

Distribution to the men may be made in various ways, and 
should be so made as to have the things intended for them 
actually placed in their hands. 

One plan for doing this is, to drive along the line of their 
tents, or as near as the camp regulations will allow, and suffer 
the men to come up and receive each for himself such articles 
as can be given him. 

This plan, however, is liable to work both confusion in 
the camp and inequality of distribution. Crowds are apt to 
gather around the ambulance, and the least modest are apt to 
fare the best. 

A better plan is that of driving as nearly central to a regi- 
ment as convenient; and then passing word along the line to 
have each company send forward a sergeant, or some other man, 
to receive the proper share of his company. Then, as the 
distribution is made, note down with a pencil each company 
supplied, in order to make sure that none are missed, nor any 
supplied with a double portion. 

Occasions for addresses may be sought or accepted at the 
times of regular service, or at the close of a dress parade, or 
by having regiments assembled by order of their commander 
at any time for the purpose. 

Addresses should always be brief, kind, patriotic, breathing 
of homo, earnest and affectionate for the men, and fervent for 
Christ. No men in the world listen with deeper interest than 
our brave live volunteers, to living words of truth ; none are 
moved more powerfully by generous and noble sentiments ; 
none more hopeful for the power of the gospel and the labor 
of the servant of Christ; but they cannot be impressed or 
moved by abstractions or dry and dull discussions. Like 



24 

powder, they are easily fired by the living spark, yet they 
cannot be moved by all the dead ashes and coals that can be 
heaped upon them. 



XX. 
DELEGATES TO THE HOSPITALS. 

The Christian Commission sends men to work in the hospitals 
as volunteer assistants of chaplains, at the chaplain's request, 
or to act as volunteer chaplains in such hospitals as have not 
had chaplains appointed for them by the Government — not to 
work in hospitals which have chaplains, except when requested 
to do it. The delegate to the hospital having a chaplain, should 
therefore report himself first to the chaplain, as ready to assist 
him, and follow his instructions and counsels. He should also 
report himself to the medical director of the place, and the 
surgeon in charge, and his assistants, and work under their 
approbation. No delicacy, medicine or stimulant should ever 
be given to the sick especially, or the wounded in the hospitals, 
without the approbation of a surgeon ; and in all matters at all 
influencing the recovery of patients, the surgeon's instructions 
should be sought and implicitly followed. 

Free and frequent distribution of good reading matter in the 
hospitals ; the establishment of stated and frequent meetings 
for prayer and conference ; the occasional reading of the Scrip- 
tures, with singing and prayer, in such wards especially as are 
occupied by those unable to go out to the stated meetings, 
together with personal conversation and prayer with indi- 
viduals, are the chief means by which the delegate can benefit 
the men of the hospital. And in all this, it is highly desirable 
not only to secure the approval, but also the aid of the surgeons 
who are willing to render it. 

For their temporal welfare and comfort, the distribution of 
clothing when needed and not furnished by Government; aid- 
ing the men with paper, envelopes and stamps to write to their 
friends, and writing for them, in cases requiring it; and getting 
or doing anything whatever which may benefit them, are chief 
amongst the ways to be embraced bj the delegate. 



25 



III. 
DELEGATES TO THE BATTLE GROUND. 

Difficulties and discouragements are sure to meet those who 
attempt to reach any field where a battle is raging, or where 
a battle has just been fought. But no difficulty however 
great, no obstacle however formidable, short of impossibles 
and impassibles, should stop any delegate of the Christian 
Commission this side of the ground where the wounded may 
die for want of the aid he can render them. If the battle 
field has fallen into the hands of the enemy, a flag of truce 
may enable him to reach it, and if it is in the hands of our 
own army, his feet can carry him there if all other means of 
conveyance should fail him. Go there he should, however 
weary the way, great the alarm, or many there may be turning 
back and dissuading him from going on. 

First amongst his accoutrements should be a blanket and 
strap for swinging it over his shoulders ; second, a haversack 
with a bottle of brandy, a towel and soap, some crackers and 
dried beef, or sandwiches, for his own use and to give to the 
wounded; third, a bucket to carry water or coiFee in, and a 
cup to serve it out with to the wounded ; fourth, beef-tea in 
cakes; fifth, a small lantern and candles and matches for night 
work; and sixth, a small Bible to use with the dying and in 
burying the dead. He should wear a warm undershirt and a 
blue or other colored shirt over it. Strong plain clothing, 
strong easy shoes or boots, with a cap or soft hat, make the 
best personal outfit. 



As the Christian Commission aims to appoint Christian 
gentlemen as delegates, any suggestions about personal deport- 
ment may be superfluous. They understand perfectly well 
that their work is that of aiding others, not dictating to them. 
Officers are supreme in the field, and surgeons in the hospital 
and on the battle ground. All others coming to their aid 



26 

should hold themselves subject to orders, and place themselves 
under orders, and then do with their might whatever work 
their hands find to do, commending themselves to God and 
their own consciences and^to officers and surgeons, by the 
wisdom, energy and efficiency of their service, and by their 
gentlemanly Christian courtesy to all. Each one should be 
provided with a pocket memorandum book and pencil, and use 
them freely in noting facts, names, incidents, dates, and every 
thing of interest. Also, with paper, pen, ink, envelopes and 
stamps, for his own use as well as to give to those who need 
them. He should report Ills work often to the ojfice of the 
Christian Commission, with facts and incidents for puhlica- 
tion ; and immediately upon his return from the work, he 
should report the fact to this office, in person or by letter, in 
order that the proper record may be made on the books of the 
Commission. 

All faithful chaplains should be sought out and aided as far 
as possible, and informed that by written application to this 
office, aid of almost any kind for their work could be obtained 
and sent to them free of expense. 

The circular of the Christian Commission to chaplains and 
working Christians in the army, should be placed in the hands, 
or sent to as many as possible, of those for whom it is designed. 

And finally, this whole work in any and every department 
should be pushed with Christ-like earnestness. " Work while 
it is day,'' the words of Jesus when about to open the eyes 
of the blind man found by the wayside; or those other words 
of His childhood, characteristic of His whole life: "Wist ye 
not, I must be about my Father's business," should be our 
watch-words. The wounded and sick in the hospital will soon 
pass away to the army, or the home, or the judgment — the 
living in the camp of to-day, may to-morrow be hastened away 
to the field of carnage. What we do must be done quickly; 
even so let us do. Amen. 

Bi/ order of the Christian Commission^ 

GEO. H. STUART, Chairman. 
Philadelpuia, September 15th, 1862. 



APPENDIX 



^5 originally organized by a National Convention of the Young 3Ien''s 
Christian Associations, Nov. 16, 1861. 



Rev. ROLLIN H. NEALB, D. D., Boston. 

CHARLES DEMOND, Esq., Boston. 

Rev. Bishop E. S. JANES, D. D., New York. 

Hon. benjamin F. MANIERRE, Neio York. 

Rev. benjamin C. CUTLER, D. D., Brooklyn. 

MITCHELL H. MILLER, Esq., Washington. 

GEO. H. STUART, Esq., Philadelphia. 

JOHN P. CROZER, Esq., Philadelphia. 

Rev. M. L. R. P. THOMPSON, D. D., Cincinnati. 

Col. CLINTON B. FISKE, St. Louis. 

JOHN V. FARWELL, Esq., Chicago. 

JOHN D. HILL, M. D., Buffalo. 

CEPHAS BRAINERD, Sec'y of the Convention. 



_A.DDIIESS. 

Office of the Christian Commission, 

New York, Jan. l^th, 1862. 

The Christian Commission met in Washington, and 
arranged a plan of operations which they now submit 
to the public, and call upon the friends of the soldier 
to aid them in their work. 

Their object is to promote the spiritual and temporal 
welfare of the brave men who now are in arms to put 
down a wicked rebellion. 

They propose to do this by aiding the chaplains and 
others in their work — 

1st. By furnishing to them religious tracts, periodi- 
cals and books. 

(27) 



28 

2d. By aiding in the formation of religious associa- 
tions in the several regiments. 

3d. By putting such associations in correspondence 
with the Christian public. 

4th. By cultivating, as far as possible, the religious 
sympathies and prayers of Christians in their behalf. 

5th. By obtaining and directing such gratuitous per- 
sonal labor among the soldiers and sailors as may be 
practicable. 

6th. By improving such other opportunities and 
means as may in the providence of God be presented. 

7th. By furnishing, as far as possible, profitable 
reading, other than religious, and, wherever there is a 
permanent military post, by establishing a general 
library of such works. 

8th. By establishing a medium of speedy and safe 
intercommunication between the men in the army and 
navy and their friends and families, by which small 
packages of clothing, books and medicines, and me- 
mentoes of social affection can be interchanged. 

Gentlemen, well-known and of high character, in 
various cities, have generously offered to give the time 
and attention needed to carry out this plan, and we 
hope to be able to appropriate to the benefit of the 
soldiers, all contributions entrusted to us, with a small 
expense for intermediate agencies. 

But we need money to provide religious and other 
reading for the army, and a very large sum can be judi- 
ciously and profitably used in this way. 

The Bible, Tract, and other benevolent publishing 
Societies will aid us, but they need funds. We must 
purchase books to a large extent, or leave many of the 
soldiers destitute. 

It is hoped that editors and publishers will furnish 
papers and books gratuitously, or at reduced prices. 
Second-hand books, also, will be welcomed gratefully 
by the soldier, and will be of value in making up the 
contemplated libraries. 



29 

All contributions of books, and all packages and 
articles designed for the soldiers, may be sent to any 
member of the Commission, or of the District Commit- 
tees, which will soon be published, or to the rooms of 
any Christian Association in the land, and they will be 
cared for and forwarded. 

Articles directed to any particular soldier, company, 
or regiment, will be carefully conveyed, the donor fur- 
nishing money to pay the expressage. 

Articles not particularly directed, will be distributed 
as the Commission shall deem best. 

Contributions in money may be sent to any member 
of the Commission, or to the District Committees, or 
to the Treasurer. 

All communications should be addressed to the Sec- 
retary and Treasurer, Hon. Benj. F. Manierre, 2 J 
Wall St., New York. 

There are over 700,000 men now in the army and 
navy, who have left the comforts of home to endure 
hardship, and it may be die for us. A large number of 
them have now no means of religious instruction, and 
all are exposed to the demoralizing influences of war. 
We propose to encourage in them whatever is good, 
and keep fresh in their- remembrance the instructions 
of earlier years, and to develop, organize and make 
effective the religious element in the army and navy. 

The field is open to us. We can have free access to 
their immortal souls — the chaplains desire and call for 
our aid — the Government wish it — and the men ask for 
and receive religious reading and teaching, with an 
eagerness most touching. 

Thousands, who at home never entered the house of 
God, and had none to care for their souls, now in immi- 
nent peril, desire to know of Him who can give them 
the victory over death, through our Lord Jesus Christ. 
The time is short — what we do must be done quickly. 

Brethren and friends, we have made known to you 
our purposes and plan of operation. Our appeal is in 



30 

the soldiers' behalf. It is for your sons and brothers, 
and for many, too, who have no parents or near rela- 
tives, that this work is undertaken. We beseech you 
by all that is valuable in our national institutions, nay, 
by all that is inspiring in the Christian faith, and com- 
forting in the hope of heaven, that you come promptly 
forward to encourage and sustain these young men in 
their patriotic service, and to secure to them those 
precious spiritual blessings which are needed every 
where and at all times, but especially by those whose 
lives are in jeopardy every hour, who are subject to 
suflfering and want, and at any moment may be called 
to die on the field of battle, far away from their fath- 
ers' sepulchres. 

GEORGE H. STUART, 
BENJ. F. MANIERRE, 
EDWARD S. JANES, 
CHAS. DEMOND, 
BENJ. C. CUTLER, 

Executive Committee. 



1st. The office of the Commission shall be in the city 
of New York. [Changed now to Philadelphia.] 

2d. There shall be an Executive Committee of five, 
who shall have full power to act for the Commission, 
subject to its approval, snd shall report their action to 
the Commission at each meeting. 

The Committee shall correspond with all other com- 
mittees of the Commission, and with all the Associations 
and other bodies who may co-operate with us, giving 
them sucli information and suggestions as will encourage 
and quicken them in their work, and shall also report 
their proceedings monthly through the press, giving 



31 

credit to all societies and individuals who may contri- 
bute to the purposes of the Commission. 

The Executive Committee may convene the Commis- 
sion when they judge it necessary. 

3d. There shall be a General Committee of three in 
the city of New York, who \nth. the Treasurer, shall 
receive all the contributions of books and other articles 
given for the objects of the Commission, apportion 
and forward the same to the committees hereinafter 
mentioned. 

4th. The field shall be divided into as many districts 
as may be found necessary. Each district shall have a 
committee of three, to be appointed by the Commission, 
but who need not be members of the same, who shall 
receive, divide, and forward the books and all other 
contributions furnished, as in their judgment the neces- 
sities may be found to exist ; and shall also, in their 
respective districts, superintend all the operations, 
and promote all the interests contemplated by this 
Commission. 

For this purpose they shall open a correspondence 
with one or more chaplains in each brigade in their 
respective districts. 

Where a regiment is found without a chaplain, they 
shall request the chaplain of some other regiment in 
the brigade to visit the regiment, and seek out the 
pious officers and soldiers and induce them to form a 
religious association, to establish social meetings and 
distribute religious publications, &c. 

They shall also correspond with the proper army 
officers, so as to be informed of the changes in the 
position of the different regiments, and of the facilities 
that may exist for carrying out the objects of the 
Commission. 

The committee shall serve gratuitously, and shall 
report their proceedings, and such interesting facts con- 
cerning the work, as they may be able to gather, at 
least monthly to the Executive Committee. 



32 

Each committee is authorized to pay such clerkp as 
they may find it impracticable to obtain gratuitously, 
and to incur such other incidental expenses as are una- 
voidable, the funds furnished being considered as trust 
funds. 

It is understood to be the duty of the Army Com- 
mittees of the Christian Associations, to procure funds, 
books, and periodicals for the benefit of the Army, and 
of each District Committee to act in conjunction with 
them ; but where no such Association exists, the District 
Committee shall take measures to raise funds and con- 
tributions, receipt for the same, and report them to the 
Treasurer of the Commission. 

5th. The Executive Committee, in conjunction with 
the District Committees, shall at once take measures to 
organize a plan by which the intercommunication between 
the men in the army and navy and their friends may 
be carried out, and communicate the same to the Chris- 
tian Associations and the public as soon as matured. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




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